The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for a critical matchup this weekend as they prepare to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a battle for first place in the NFC South. The two teams are currently tied atop the division standings and will meet twice in the next three weeks, raising the stakes even higher.

Carolina is looking to rebound after a loss in New Orleans, hoping to stabilize what has been a roller coaster season. Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn reflected on last year’s close loss to Tampa Bay — a 26–23 defeat in Charlotte — and emphasized the importance of correcting mistakes.

Sunday’s kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on FOX.

NFL: Another First-Place Showdown Thursday

Football fans have another marquee matchup this week as the Rams and Seahawks meet in a Thursday night clash with first place on the line.

College Football: Bowl Season Continues

Bowl season rolls on tonight with the Salute to Veterans Bowl, where Troy takes on Jacksonville State in Montgomery, Alabama. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m.

ECU Football Takes Break Before Military Bowl Prep

ECU’s football team is taking the week off from practice so players can spend time with their families before resuming preparations for the Military Bowl. The Pirates will face Pittsburgh on December 27 in Annapolis, Maryland.

The team is also moving forward with staffing changes, preparing to hire Jordan Davis from North Texas as the new offensive coordinator. Meanwhile, several players — including Katin Houser and Yannick Smith — have entered the transfer portal. Head coach Blake Harrell acknowledged the “moving parts” that now come with modern college football.

ECU returns to practice on Sunday before heading to Maryland.

NC State Prepares for Gasparilla Bowl

NC State continues to get ready for the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa, where the Wolfpack will face Memphis on Friday. The team mixed practice with fun this week, taking a trip to Busch Gardens as part of their bowl-week activities. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium.

College Basketball: UNC, Duke Back on the Floor

The 9–1 North Carolina Tar Heels, undefeated at home this season, return to the Dean Dome tonight to host East Tennessee State at 8 p.m. Head coach Hubert Davis says the focus remains on “stacking days” and building the habits that lead to success. Good news for the Heels: guard Seth Trimble is nearing a return from a broken arm and has been practicing at full speed.

The 10–0 Duke Blue Devils are also in action tonight as they host Lipscomb at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

High School Sports: North Duplin Senior Signs to Louisburg College

Congratulations go out to Marissa Bernal, a North Duplin senior who has signed to play volleyball at Louisburg College. She becomes the first in her family to play a college sport.